Message from Andy Mercer

So I was telling a story about Coach Spain to one of my co-workers today about acting up in class and how I got the bulldog (his wooden paddle with holes in it) in between our conversation about kids these days and so on. 20 something years later I remembered that and then after that how Coach kind of took me under his wing to make me a better young man and respect authority. He was a good man, who did a lot of good for a lot of young students in Myrtle Beach. I went to google to see if I could find a picture of the bulldog and saw this. Rest in peace Coach! Sincerely, Andy-

A candle was lit by Kimberly Langston-Altman on September 28, 2017 11:22 PM

Message from LAMAR FOSTER

May your memories be precious and bring you comfort. Many thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless

Message from Dr. Sherrilyn Duquette

Heaven gained a great man. I always enjoyed our conversations when he conducted Hearings at my school. His wisdom and encouragement were always appreciated.

A candle was lit by Cheryle D Sherman, Lawton Oklahoma on September 27, 2017 10:24 PM

Message from Princess Diane Fairwell Hudson

Audrey, I am so sorry I am unable to attend Bernis service. I am praying for you and your family and will continue to keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Each time I would see Bernis in the stores or just in passing he would always greet me with "hey classmate". We will forever be the Conway High School Class of "74". He was voted "Best Dress" in our senior year, and I know he will continue being the best dress in heaven. My God bless all of you .

Message from Kristi Lowery

I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Spain was the Best.. He will be greatly missed. We all loved him so much. Sending love and prayers to the family

A candle was lit by Kristi Lowery on September 26, 2017 8:44 PM

Message from Charles Dewitt

Bernis was a very good friend. We shared many good times over many years. I and my family send our sincere condolences to Audrey, Sabrina, and Bernis Jr. There is a time and a season for every activity under the heavens. He will be missed but never forgotten.

A candle was lit by Pamela Villanova on September 26, 2017 4:18 PM

A candle was lit by Joyce Phillips, Cousin He will be missed on September 26, 2017 12:39 PM

Message from Beth Vorp

My heart is heavy at the news of Bernis passing but at the same time I am so happy he is rejoicing in heaven ! He was definitely a light on this earth. He would come in the office and light up the room with his big smile and big presence. We shared a lot of laughter and a few tears but always had a good time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Heaven just got another angel !

A candle was lit by Jim Baxley on September 26, 2017 9:37 AM

Message from Jim Baxley

Bernis was one of a kind. He had a special way of talking to young people. He made a huge impact on many lives. I will miss him and look forward to seeing him again. Words cannot describe how I felt last night when I found out he had gone home.

A candle was lit by Toby Barnhill, a student on September 26, 2017 8:08 AM

Message from Linda Callender

I worked with Mr. Spain at MBHS. I will always remember his warm smile and professional manner. The HCS family has lost a true friend. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Message from Leslie Carter Parks

While I was an intern, Mr. Spain had a great influence upon me. He taught me to listen to my students- to hear their stories. I will never forget him because he gave me my first Seahawk shirt and I treasured that shirt!! I so appreciated being part of the team and being welcomed- I also remember to do this to new teachers!!
A great educator!! Thank you for teaching all of us!!

A candle was lit by The DeBock family on September 26, 2017 4:35 AM

A candle was lit by Cheryle D. Sherman, Lawton, Oklahoma on September 26, 2017 12:46 AM

A candle was lit by Jiffy Wood Dahlgren on September 26, 2017 12:10 AM

Message from Kevin Hodes-Class of 85

RIP Coach. You were a true gentleman and touched the lives of everyone you came in contact with. You will be missed!

A candle was lit by ADRIANE WELSH on September 25, 2017 10:17 PM

Message from Frank & June Moorhead

Bernis was a man of high expectations and principles for the students he worked with here in Horry County. He spoke to them honestly and from his heart. He was a change maker. It was our honor to work with him and to see his smiling face when he entered the room. He made a difference in every person's life he touched. We will miss him. God speed, our friend.

A candle was lit by Joy Roscoe Graves on September 25, 2017 9:22 PM

A candle was lit by Ashley Grissett on September 25, 2017 8:51 PM

Message from Jo Ann Smith

What a wonderful friend and fellow educator. Im not sure if i would have made it through my first year back in first grade after a 10 year break without him. He checked on my class at least a couple times of day everyday that he could. He encouraged me, gave priceless advice and always brought his big bright smile. Throughout the years he positively influenced my three children and me with that big smile and a caring heart.
He will be missed by many and live in all our hearts always. Heaven gained a beautiful spirit.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family for comfort, grace and mercy today and each day that follows. May you cherish your memories until you meet again.
With love and may God hold you in his arms of great love during this time of sadness and always.

A candle was lit by JoAnn Smith and family on September 25, 2017 7:47 PM

A candle was lit by Chrystal Holloman-Rafferty on September 25, 2017 7:07 PM

Message from Carolyn

It was always refreshing to know Coach Spain was in the building to help with decisions and the children. Bernis touched the lives of so many children and adults. His positive attitude and and smile made teaching easier. My thoughts and prayers go to each member of his family. God bless each of you. The Lord took another angel in his Heavenly kingdom. Carolyn Streater

Message from Pamela Marshall

My deepest condolences to the family of Coach Spain. He was truly an amazing person, friend to us all and the best coach ever! You will be missed Coach Spain, but I know the journey you're on is an amazing one. Rest easy Coach💙 MBHS 1988

A candle was lit by Belinda Herring Mercado, he was a great teacher! Class of 78 on September 25, 2017 4:40 PM

Message from Bo Bacot

Bernis Spain was a kind, just man, and the rare coach who could inspire his players to rise to his expectations each and every time.

Godspeed, Coach Spain. I am glad I ran into you later in life, and was able to thank you properly for your presence and influence in my life.

A candle was lit by Sarah Key on September 25, 2017 4:00 PM

A candle was lit by Lamar&Tonya Y-Chestnut on September 25, 2017 3:26 PM

A candle was lit by Michelle Edmonds class of 97 on September 25, 2017 2:54 PM

Message from William "Hamp" Hamilton

Hello Audrey, this comes to offer sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your dear loved one and my dear friend and Brother in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Cisco (Bernis). Like all of you, I have a lot of fond memories of Cisco and I hope that your memories, your faith and the support of friends, family and colleagues will help you get through this sad time. God's continued blessings to you!/Hamp

Message from Renee Brown

One of the best educators that passed through the walls of Myrtle Beach Elementary and Myrtle Beach High. He built connections with the youth especially with that bulldog paddle. Lol. You did a great job Coach Spain. We will never forget your sternness but yet your compassion to all students. Thank you for being a great educator. You made connections with parents and students. As an educator myself, I hope I have a lasting impact just like you.

Message from Dr. Robert Laney, Jr.

To Audrey and Family:
May God bless and comfort you during and after these difficult days. Bernis, my Fraternity Brother (Alpha Lambda), Fellow SCSU Alumni and homeboy was a good guy who loved you and his family dearly. Everyone who came in contact with him always spoke good about him. He was a fighter and you took great care of him. We will miss him. Always remember: "Earth Has No Sorrow That Heaven Cannot Heal" You will see him again.
Sincerely,
Robert Laney, Jr. (Bobby)
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, Alabama

Message from Ronald and Susan Ward

One of the finest men I have ever known. He meant a lot to my children Rusty, Kevin(Squeaky) and Kristi Lowery as a coach and teacher. He was however a wonderful friend to everyone.

A candle was lit by Bobby Wilder, Class of 1993 on September 25, 2017 12:23 PM

Message from Carol Chestnut

I am saddened to hear of Burnis' passing. I always enjoyed seeing him at school or district functions, foe he always had a smile and a kind word. My sincere sympathy to his family.

A candle was lit by Whitney Carpenter Suggs on September 24, 2017 9:25 PM

---

My deepest condolences on the loss of Coach Spain. He was truly an amazing man and I was so lucky to call him Coach! Coach Spain followed my Myrtle Beach class (class of 1998) from elementary all the way to high school when he was assistant principal at Myrtle Beach high school. He knew every single person in my class and at their story. He truly made a difference in everyone's life and was one of the most influential teachers that I was ever blessed to have. Prayers in this difficult time, he will be missed.

A candle was lit by John Oliver former teammates and friends on September 24, 2017 6:22 PM

A candle was lit by Kathy Carter on September 24, 2017 7:21 AM

A candle was lit by Evangeline Long on September 24, 2017 6:56 AM

A candle was lit by Beth Johnson Sawyer-Gibson on September 23, 2017 11:08 PM

A candle was lit by Princess Diane Hudson, Class of "74" on September 23, 2017 10:49 AM